PRELACY RESUMES CHRISTMAS BLESSING TRADITION

After a two-year hiatus imposed by the Covid–19 pandemics, the Eastern Prelacy resumed a cherished tradition first installed by former Prelate Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian of blessed memory: the annual Prelate’s Christmas Reception and Blessing of the Home (Doonorhek) service at the Prelacy headquarters in New York, presided by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate. 

On Friday, January 6, the hall was packed with congregants and friends. The reception opened with the Home Blessing ceremony offered by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. During this ceremony, the officiating Priest blesses bread, water, and salt—all considered to be essential to life in our Church customs. Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian, Vicar and Pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield, NJ), Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church (Douglaston, NY), and Rev. Fr. Vahan Kouyoumdjian, Outreach Pastor, along with Very Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian, Dean of the Armenian Theological Seminary, who visits New York, also participated in the ceremony.

Following the service, Archbishop Anoushavan greeted the guests. He spoke about the need for renewal of our institutional life in the Diaspora under the light of His Holiness Aram I’s proclamations, as well as the Catholicos’ forthcoming visit to the Eastern Prelacy parishes in October and November. He also thanked various guests for their contributions and devotion to the Prelacy and respective parishes. 

In the relaxed atmosphere that characterizes this event, the presents enjoyed the reception and mingled with friends and other guests.